New residential area created for flood victims
It's a bittersweet moment for the Windhoek flood victims, whose displacement has resulted into a sanctuary that could forever change their lives for the better.
Flood victims in Windhoek are being gradually relocated to a new residential area near Goreangab, behind KammaDollar. The resettlement initiative, led by the Windhoek municipality and supported by the Office of the Prime Minister, provides the most vulnerable with temporary shelter in 18 reception tents before assigning them to demarcated plots where they can establish new homes.Among those displaced is Chriselda van der Byl, who lived in informal settlements in Otjomuise for nearly 20 years without secure land tenure. While optimistic about her relocation, Van der Byl faces significant challenges, residing in a tent near a river with her seven children, including a two-month-old infant. Necessities such as food, toiletries, and diapers are scarce and her family struggles to meet daily needs.
Queenteline van Rooyen, another displaced resident, shares similar struggles. She urgently requires groceries, clothing for her children, and a light source. “We need light urgently—at least a small solar-powered lamp. It gets so dark at night, and there are insects everywhere, which is concerning for my kids,” she said.
Joseph Modestu, still in the reception tents, awaits building materials like corrugated sheets and poles to establish his home. His erf remains unmeasured, and he has only received a mattress since his arrival. Access to water and food remains a pressing concern, and his grandchildren’s return to school is uncertain due to a lack of resources.
‘Better than before’
While some, like Ricky Uirab and Elizabeth Goliath, acknowledge that their new situation is better than before, challenges persist. Uirab notes that the small plots do not allow for subsistence farming, while others like Ndjipangura Kanotrozu have run out of food and water and must travel long distances to fetch water.
By Friday, 63 households had been relocated out of the 308 identified flood-affected households, comprising 1 250 vulnerable individuals. Paulus Ngolombe, head of the municipality’s emergency and disaster risk management division, explained that since 2019, flood victims have been relocated to Farm 508. The new site is located near Daan Viljoen Nature Park and features extended water pipelines, additional taps and two chemical toilets.
The relocation effort is a collaborative endeavour involving the Khomas Regional Council, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the ministries of Health and Education. So far, 20 000 litres of water have been supplied to the reception area, with another 20 000 litres allocated to tanks at the settlement for refills as needed.
Donations have played a crucial role in easing the burden. Contributions from Lady Pohamba Hospital, Katutura Old Age Home, Grateful Hearts Foundation, Xwama Restaurant and a neighbourhood watch group in Rocky Crest Extension 4 have provided bedding, blankets, clothing, shoes, and children’s items.
Despite these efforts, Ngolombe emphasised the urgent need for further assistance, especially for single-mother households. Donations of nails, building materials, and labour are essential to help families establish stable homes and rebuild their lives.